Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Salary: £19,514 per annum (rising annually throughout the apprenticeship)
Contract Type: Fixed-Term, 48 months
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours
Closing Date: Sunday, 3rd May 2026
Start Date: September 2026
About an Apprenticeship at STFC
We’re looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals ready to develop their skills through formal training and hands‑on experience. As an apprentice, you’ll gain real‑world experience, build technical and professional skills, and contribute to cutting‑edge research and innovation in a dynamic, supportive environment.
You’ll be fully supported throughout the programme with regular check‑ins from a dedicated Apprenticeship Coordinator, structured training, practical experience, and mentorship from industry professionals. Plus, you’ll have access to workshops, a peer network, and career development support, helping you feel confident and prepared for new challenges.
About the Role
As a Mechanical Technician Apprentice, you will join the Mechanical Technician Team within the Engineering Support Group, working under the guidance and support of experienced senior technicians.
You will develop practical, hands‑on skills while supporting the manufacture, modification and assembly of precision mechanical, optomechanical and electromechanical components to defined technical requirements and quality standards. Using a range of techniques and equipment such as manual and CNC machining, hand tools and 3D printing, you will contribute to high‑precision engineering work.
The role will also involve inspecting, fitting and aligning components using a variety of inspection and metrology methods, and supporting the testing of parts and assemblies, including the use of specialist environmental test facilities such as vacuum, cryogenic and vibration testing. This apprenticeship offers a strong foundation in mechanical engineering within a collaborative and technically challenging environment.
Why join the Engineering Support Group
You’ll be joining a close‑knit team of highly skilled technicians whose role is to manufacture, assemble, integrate and test all mechanical aspects of the instruments and projects that the UKATC are involved in. This unique environment could mean you are completing varied tasks from manufacturing components within our workshop on a range of manual and CNC machines; inspecting then assembling and testing them in our range of bespoke cryostats and other specialist equipment; to ensure that they function as the astronomers require once commissioned, whether they are ground or space based.
21 Years of UKATC | Gravitational Waves
What you’ll learn
SVQ2 and NC Course content includes:
* Communication
* Engineering: Applying Information Technology
Add on units which may be included in your course by UKATC:
* Preparing and Using CNC Machine Tool Programs
* Preparing and Using CNC Turning Machines
* Preparing and Using CNC Milling Machines
Year One
* Dynamics
* Thermofluids
* Quality Management
* CAD for Engineers
Year Two
* Statics and Strength of Materials
* Communication
* Engineering Materials Selection
* Engineering Principles
* Pneumatics and Hydraulics
* Mechanical Engineering Graded Unit 1
Please note: Mechanical Engineering Graded Unit 1 and Engineering Principles can only be completed in Year 2.
Training provider
Edinburgh College (Midlothian Campus)
Delivery
* Year 1: 4 days per week. 2 days cover the SVQ2 learning and 2 days will be studying NC level.
* Year 2 & 3: 1 day per week to study an HNC.
* Year 4: Completing the SCQF Level 7 Diploma onsite at the UKATC.
We are looking for the following
* Mathematics and English at National 5.
* Physics, or another science‑related subject.
* An awareness of basic health and safety.
* Enthusiastic and motivated to learn, both in the workplace and through formal training.
Eligibility for SDS funding [student must be resident in Scotland and work in Scotland] - you must not have completed the same or similar apprenticeship within the last 3 years.
Note: Funding is available for age 16‑19, 20‑24 or 25+.
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